The student-led SocSoc (Social Sciences Society) was recently joined by Professor Jason Brennan of Georgetown University, who specialises in voting ethics and is the author of a book titled Against Democracy.
Professor Brennan gave pupils a talk on his thesis, emphasising democratic pathologies and defending the idea of ‘epistocracy’ (rule of the knowledgeable).
In the ensuing Q&A session, Professor Brennan answered questions on possible objections to his arguments and delved deeper into the political philosophy underpinning democratic systems, as well as possibilities that arise from increasingly available cognitive and demographic data of voters. It was an extremely thought-provoking session, which SocSoc members enjoyed both organising and leading.